Jonathan Johnston is in his third season as an assistant coach with the UC San Diego baseball program in 2014 after being named to the post in the fall of 2011.

In addition to his role as the program's recruiting coordinator, Johnston's primary responsibilities include working with the hitters and catchers, and teaching base running. He also serves as the third base coach and assists in running the Triton offense during games.

In 2012, Johnston's instruction was instrumental in UCSD's offensive success and the all-around improvement behind the plate as the Tritons won their fourth successive CCAA regular-season and tournament titles. The 2013 season was a 10th straight in which UCSD produced a winning overall record. The Tritons were second in the league in extra-base hits (126), and led for the second year in a row in stolen bases.

Following a two-year hiatus from baseball as an officer in the United States Navy, Johnston returned to spring training with the Oakland Athletics in March of 2011. He started the 2011 season as a catcher for their Class A Advanced affiliate Stockton Ports, hitting .318 with a .423 on-base percentage.

In 2008, Johnston's first season of professional baseball, he batted .228 for the Class A Kane County Cougars before being called back to service with the Navy.

Over his four years as a Surface Warfare Officer, Johnston served on the guided missile frigate USS Curts and the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu as Damage Control Officer and Gunnery Officer, respectively. He was awarded three Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medals (NAM) and a Joint Service Achievement Medal. His first NAM was awarded for his efforts as the officer of the deck in the thwarting of a Somalian pirate attack against the Singaporean merchant vessel, Gem of Kirikae.

Johnston was a four-year starter behind the plate for the Navy Midshipmen from 2003-06. In his senior season, he batted .317 with 51 runs, 27 RBI and 35 stolen bases. His leadership of the team and pitching staff resulted in one of the biggest turnarounds in Division I baseball history.

Johnston earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 2006 in ocean engineering from the United States Naval Academy and finished his naval career as a lieutenant. He later completed a master's degree in 2013 in sport leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University.